Automated xerographic processing system

ABSTRACT

An automated flat-plate xerographic processing system especially adapted for use in the field of medical diagnostics. In this system, exposure of the uniformly charged xerographic plate takes place outside of the xerographic processing apparatus such that the test object may be selectively positioned with respect to the radiation source and the xerographic plate. To permit such exposure, the processing system includes a light-tight cassette into which the uniformly charged xerographic plate is inserted and held until automatically withdrawn, after exposure, by the development apparatus. The charging apparatus includes means for receiving and opening the light-tight cassette, means for inserting the charged xerographic plate therein without disturbing the uniform electrostatic charge thereon and means for closing the cassette. The development apparatus includes means for receiving and opening the cassette without further exposure of the xerographic plate to actinic electromagnetic radiation, the xerographic plate being held in the proper alignment for removal from the cassette, and means for withdrawing the xerographic plate from the cassette and for advancing the xerographic plate to the development means without disturbing the latent electrostatic image thereon.

United States Patent Hoyt, III

1451 Mar. 21, 1972 [54] AUTOMATED XEROGRAPHIC PROCESSING SYSTEM [72]Inventor: Hazen L. Hoyt, III, Glendora,-Calif.

[73] Assignee: Xerox Corporation, Rochester, NY.

[22] Filed: Nov. 7, 1969 [21] App1.No.: 874,834

[52] US. Cl ..355/3, 355/16, 95/125 [51] Int. Cl. ..G03g 15/22 [58]Field ofSearch ..355/3, 16; 95/125 [56] References Cited UNITED STATESPATENTS 2,892,391 6/1959 Mayo et al ..355/3 3,091,160 5/1963 Crumrine etal.. .95/l2.5 X 3,229,603 l/l966 Boschet ..355/16 X PrimaryExaminerSamuel S. Matthews Assistant Examiner-E. M. Bero Attorney-JamesJ. Ralabate, John E. Beck, Franklyn C. Weiss and Irving KeschnerABSTRACT An automated flat-plate xerographic processing systemespecially adapted for use in the field of medical diagnostics. In thissystem, exposure of the uniformly charged xerographic plate takes placeoutside of the xerographic processing apparatus such that the testobject may be selectively positioned with respect to the radiationsource and the xerographic plate. To permit such exposure, theprocessing system includes a light-tight cassette into which theuniformly charged xerographic plate is inserted and held untilautomatically withdrawn, after exposure, by the development apparatus.

The charging apparatus includes means for receiving and opening thelight-tight cassette, means for inserting the charged xerographic platetherein without disturbing the uniform electrostatic charge thereon andmeans for closing the cassette. The development apparatus includes meansfor receiving and opening the cassette without further exposure of thexerographic plate to actinic electromagnetic radiation, the xerographicplate being held in the proper alignment for removal from the cassette,and means for withdrawing the xerographic plate from the cassette andfor advancing the xerographic plate to the development means withoutdisturbing the latent electrostatic image thereon.

49 Claims, 27 Drawing Figures Patented March 21, 1972 15 Sheets-Sheet 1J him 25 me HSZEA/ L, y W

Patented March 21, 1972 l 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 7 Patented March 21 1972 15Sheets-Sheet 4 W 4 ni /VH U Q mm wwm M Nmm mmwwww 4 4 L v 'mn Ml wPatented March 21, 1972 15 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented March 21, 1972 1 5Sheets-Sheet 6 Patented March 21, 1972 1 5 Sheets-Sheet '7 wwm Nwm QNNSYPatented March 21, 1972 1 5 Sheets-Sheet 8 Patented March 21, 1972 15Sheets-Sheet 9 Patented March 21, 1972 1 5 Sheets-Sheet 12 mum QR mmm mwQQM Patented March 21, 1972 15 Sheets-Sheet 13 MW Nv Patented March 21,1972 15 Sheets-Sheet 14 Patented March 21, 1972 15 Sheets-Sheet l 5AUTOMATED XEROGRAPIIIC PROCESSING SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates to the field of xerography and, moreparticularly, to an automated xerographic processing system adapted foruse in the field of medical diagnostics.

In the xerographic process as described in US. Pat. No. 2,297,691 to C.F. Carlson, a base plate of relatively low electrical resistance such asmetal, paper, etc., having a photoconductive insulating layer coatedthereon, is electrostatically charged in the dark. The charged coatingis then exposed to a light image. The charges leak off rapidly to thebase plate in proportion to the intensity of light to which any givenarea is exposed, the charge being substantially retained in non-exposedareas. After such exposure, the coating is contacted with electroscopicmarking particles in the dark. When forming a positive image theseparticles adhere to the areas where the electrostatic charges remainwhereby there is formed a xerographic powder image corresponding to thelatent electrostatic image. The powder image can then be transferred toa sheet of transfer material resulting in a positive print havingexcellent detail and quality. Alternatively, when the base plate isrelatively inexpensive as in the case of paper, it may be desirable tofix the powder image directly to the plate itself and thereby eliminatethe image transfer operation.

Following the disclosure of the basic xerographic technique in theCarlson patent, many improvements have been made in the xerographictechnique itself and in the various component devices for effectingxerographic processing. For the most part, such improvements have beenemployed in apparatus for reproducing line copy images, and such devicesare presently in wide commercial use for that purpose. The art ofxerography, however, is amenable to recording X-ray patterns such asmight be attained by passing X-rays through a body to be analyticallyexamined. The subsequent development process involves forming continuoustone images and therefore presents different problems than thosenormally associated with line copy devices.

The art of X-ray recording by xerography, generally known asxeroradiography, relates to the recording of X-ray patterns andinformation by means of materials and devices whose electricalconductivity is altered by the action of the X-rays reaching therecording medium. In xeroradiography, the plate or element exposed tothe X-ray pattern usually comprises a metallic backing sheet having aphotoconductive insulating layer or coating, for example, vitreousselenium, on one surface thereof. lt is conventional to cover or protectthe photoconductive coating from ambient light by a slide plate, usuallycalled a dark slide, spaced from the photoconductive surface. The plateor element is sensitized by applying a uniform electrostatic charge tothe coating and thereafter the charged plate is exposed to sensitizingradiation with the object to be examined appropriately interposedbetween the radiation source and the sensitized plate. Under influenceof the X-rays emanating from the source which are differentiallyabsorbed by different areas of the test body but which readily passthrough the dark slide, the coating becomes electrically conductive inthose portions reached by the sensitizing radiation, thereby permittingportions of the electrostatic charge thereon to be selectivelydissipated. Dissipation of the electrostatic charge is proportional tothe amount of radiation absorbed by the test body with greaterdissipation occurring in those portions of the coating shaded by lessabsorptive portions of the object being radiographed. In this manner, anelectrostatic latent image of the test body is formed on thephotoconductive element. The image may then be made visible with anelectroscopic marking material which clings to the electrostaticallycharged portions of the latent image. Reversal, or negative, prints canalso be developed by contacting the latent electrostatic image withmarking particles of the same polarity. The xeroradiographic process isdisclosed, for example, in Schaffert et al. US. Pat. No. 2,666,144.

It has previously been recognized that xeroradiography can be applied inthe field of medical diagnostics. For example, the xerographic processwhen utilized to examine extremities, such as hands and feet, has beencharacterized as being a valuable diagnostic technique since moreinformation is recorded on the xerogram than is recorded on acorresponding radiogram.

In recent years, the xeroradiography technique has been utilized in theearly detection and diagnosis of breast cancer in women. The process,known as xeromammography, has been described as being less expensive,requiring less radiation than non-screen film radiology, and one whichgives greater detail in the mammogram to be reviewed by the radiologist.Additionally, a most important advantage is in the speed ofinterpretation of the xeromammogram. Because they are easier tointerpret, and, accordingly, reduce the fatigue on the examiningradiologist thereby increasing his overall effectiveness, the techniqueis believed to have application in screening techniques for the earlydetection of breast cancer.

Present automatic xerographic document reproducing equipment, such asline copy devices, however, are not suited for the xeroradiographicexaminations as it would be associated with medical diagnostics. Medicalexamination generally entails the proper positioning of the patient and,particularly, proper positioning of that body portion or section beingexamined in relation to the sensitized xerographic plate and theradiation source. Present line-copying devices have not been designedwith this feature in mind. In general, the exposure apparatus have beenbuilt into the machine such that selective positioning of patient,sensitized plate and radiation source cannot be achieved. Furthermore,present line copy devices have the radiation source physically builtinto the exposure means. This feature makes such devices unsuited forxeroradiographic examination where the radiation source must bepositioned on the opposite side of the test body from the sensitizedplate. Since X-rays pass through the test body, being differentiallyabsorbed by different portions thereof, as opposed to being reflectedfrom the object being duplicated as in line-copy devices, the reflectiveobjects presently built into xerographic processing systems are notamenable to xeroradiographic examination.

Notwithstanding the drawbacks of present xerographic equipment withregard to the specialized case of xeroradiographic examination, and inparticular the analytical examination of body portions sufficientlylimited in thickness and density to permit such examination, it would bedesirable to have an automated xerographic processing system adapted forthe processing of xeroradiograms.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is, therefore, the primary object of thepresent invention to provide an automated xerographic processing system.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automatedxeroradiographic processing system wherein the exposure of thesensitized plate to the X-ray pattern is outside the processingapparatus whereby maximum flexibility is given to the radiologist inpositioning the test body relative to the sensitized xerographic plate.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automatedxeroradiographic processing system wherein exposure of the sensitizedxerographic plate is made outside of the processing apparatus yet theuniformly charged, or latent electrostatic image-bearing, xerographicplate is not subjected to degrading ambient electromagnetic radiation.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automatedxeroradiographic processing system amenable to mass screening for theearly detection and diagnosis of breast cancer in women.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide chargingand printing apparatus which can concomitantly service a plurality ofremotely located exposure stations.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a chargingapparatus for uniformly charging the photoconductive surface of axerographic plate which includes means to hold a light-tight cassetteand means to insert the uniformly charged xerographic plate thereinwithout subjecting the charged plate to actinic, ambient electromagneticradiation.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide printingapparatus for developing a latent electrostatic image on a xerographicplate into a visible image suitable for visual examination, saidprinting apparatus including means to receive a light-tight cassettehaving a latent electrostatic image-bearing xerographic plate therein,and means to open the cassette and withdraw the image-bearingxerographic plate therefrom without adversely degrading the latentelectrostatic image.

These and still further objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent upon consideration of the followingdetailed disclosure.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The above and still further objects ofthe present invention are achieved, in accordance therewith, byproviding an automated flat-plate xerographic processing systemincluding charging means for placing a uniform electrostatic charge onthe photoconductive surface of a xerographic plate, means for holding alight-tight cassette into which the xerographic plate can be inserted,means for opening said cassette and for inserting the chargedxerographic plate therein without exposing the charged plate to actinicelectromagnetic radiation, means for receiving the xerographicplate-holding cassette after imaging exposure, the xerographic platehaving thereon a latent electrostatic image suitable for subsequentdevelopment, means for opening the cassette and for withdrawing thelatent electrostatic image-bearing xerographic plate from the cassettewithout further exposure of the xerographic plate to actinicelectromagnetic radiation, means for developing the latent electrostaticimage to form a reproduction thereof suitable for visual examination,and means for advancing the xerographic plate to the developing meanswithout disturbing the latent electrostatic image thereon.

In one form of the invention the xerographic processing apparatuscomprises two units, a charging unit and a printing unit. The chargingunit comprises, in its essential elements, means for placing a uniformelectrostatic charge on the photoconductive surface of the xerographicplate, the charging means including means for causing relative movementof the xerographic plate and the charging means whereby uniformelectrostatic charging is achieved, means for holding a light-tightcassette into which the charged xerographic plate can be inserted, meansfor opening the cassette and for inserting the charged xerographic platetherein, whereafter the eassette is closed thereby holding the chargedxerographic plate in a light-tight environment. The plate-holdingcassette is withdrawn from the charging unit and taken to the exposurestation where, after appropriate positioning of the test body and theradiation source with respect to the plate, the plate is exposed tosensitizing radiation. As is conventional in the xerographic process, alatent electrostatic image results which is capable of subsequentdevelopment into a reproduction suitable for visual examination.

To achieve such development, the cassette having the latentelectrostatic image-bearing xerographic plate therein is transportedfrom the exposure station to the printing unit. The printing unitcomprises, in its essential elements, means for receiving thexerographic plate-holding cassette, means for opening the cassettewithout further exposure of the xerographic plate to actinicelectromagnetic radiation, means for withdrawing the latentelectrostatic image-bearing xerographic plate from the cassette, meansfor developing the latent electrostatic image on the xerographic plateto form a reproduction thereof suitable for visual examination, andmeans for advancing the xerographic plate to the developing meanswithout disturbing the latent electrostatic image thereon. When thecassette is inserted into the printing unit, it is automatically openedand the electrostatic image-bearing plate therein removed withoutadditional exposure of the plate to actinic radiation or otherdisturbance of the electrostatic charge pattern thereon. The plate istransported to the developing means wherein the latent electrostaticimage thereon is converted to a xerographic powder image capable ofbeing fixed to the xerographic member or transferred to a suitablesupport surface. When the xerographic plate is of the reusable type(e.g., vitreous selenium plate), it is conventional to transfer thexerographic powder image to a support surface, after which the plate iscleaned of residual toner and reused. To achieve such transfer, there isprovided means to advance the support surface adjacent to the powderimage-bearing plate surface and means to electrostatically charge thereverse side of the support to a polarity opposite the polarity of thetoner material, whereby the powder image is faithfully and accuratelytransferred from the xerographic plate to the support surface. The imageis thereafter fused to the support surface so that a relativelypermanent reproduction is obtained. The xerographic plate is advanced toa cleaning station wherein cleaning means remove residual toner from thephotoconductive surface so that the plate can be recycled for subsequentexaminations.

In this system, exposure of the uniformly charged xerographic platetakes place outside of the xerographic processing apparatus. Thisfeature enables the radiologist, when considering medical examinations,to selectively position a patient, and particularly those portions ofthe patients body being examined, with respect to the radiation sourceand the xerographic plate. To permit such exposure outside theprocessing apparatus, the processing system herein described includes alight-tight cassette into which the uniformly charged xerographic plateis inserted. This is achieved automatically in the charging unit as thecharged plate leaves the charging station. After the plate is insertedinto the cassette, the cassette closes so that the charged plate issecurely maintained in a light-tight environment. Exposure of the plateto undesired actinic radiation, such as ambient radiation to which theplate is sensitive, is thereby avoided. After the plate is exposed tothe imaging radiation which is passed through the test body, thecassette is transported to the printing unit where, upon insertion, thecassette is automatically opened and the plate withdrawn therefrom. Thewithdrawal operation is performed under dark conditions which preventexposure of the image-bearing plate to ambient light which would degradethe quality of the latent image thereon. Thus, the cassette, theautomated cassette opening and closing devices, and as sociated plateinsertion and withdrawal devices are important components of thexerographic processing system which serve to faithfully reproduce theinformation pattern received by the xerographic plate during theexternal exposure operation.

In the presently preferred form of the invention, the charging unit alsoincludes conditioning means to eliminate the phenomenon of fatiguenormally associated with the exposure of xerographic plates to highenergy penetrating radiation, such as X-rays. In general, thexerographic plate is heated to an elevated temperature and maintained atthat state for a sufficient period of time to relax the xerographicplate whereby the adverse effects of fatigue are wholly or largelyeliminated. The charging unit also includes a magazine for the storageof a plurality of conditioned xerographic plates, means to advance aplate to be conditioned from an entrance zone through the conditioningmeans to the magazine, and means to remove a conditioned xerographicplate from the magazine and to transport said plate to the chargingmeans.

Optionally, the charging unit includes means to hold a storage boxhaving a plurality of exposed and cleaned xerographic plates therein,and means to repeatedly withdraw a single xerographic plate therefromand to transport the withdrawn xerographic plate to the conditioningmeans. The printer is also adapted to hold the aforementioned storagebox, but in such a way that the storage box receives each of a pluralityof cleaned xerographic plates from the cleaning means. After the desirednumber of cleaned plates have been inserted therein, the storage box ismanually transported to the charging unit whereby the xerographicprocessing cycle is repeated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The nature of the invention will bemore easily understood when it is considered in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a xerographic plate suited for transportationthrough the automated xerographic processing system of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the xerographic plate of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the lower righthand cornerof the xerographic plate of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a storage box suitable for transportinga plurality of xerographic plates therein from the printer unit to thecharger unit of the xerographic processing system of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the storage box of FIG. 4 showing, in partialcut-away, the retainer clip which serves to maintain the xerographicplates within the storage box until automatic removal by the xerographicplates within the storage box until automatic removal by the xerographicprocessing system;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary bottom view of the clip at the lower right-handcorner of the storage box of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the retainer clip used in the storagebox of FIGS. 4 and 5;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a cassette suitable for use with thexerographic processing system of the present invention, this Figureshowing in partial cut-away one latch member and the guide membersassociated with the proper positioning of the xerographic plate withinthe cassette;

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the cassette of FIG. 8 showing thecassette in a partially open condition ready for the insertion of axerographic plate therein;

FIG. 10 is a side elevation of the cassette of FIG. 8 in its partiallyopened position;

FIG. 11 is a bottom fragmentary view of a portion of an optional topcover for the cassette of FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the optional cover of FIG. 11 takenalong line 12l2;

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross-section of the right-hand portion of thecharging unit showing the storage box holding means, the xerographicplate withdrawal means, the conditioner means and the cooling assemblyassociated with the plate storage magazine, with certain portions of theFigure being drawn in elevation;

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal cross-section of the left-hand portion of thecharging unit showing the plate storage magazine, the vacuum cleaningapparatus, the charging mechanism, and the cassette opening and holdingmeans, with certain portions of the Figure being drawn in elevation;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view, partially in section, of that portion of thecharging unit shown in FIG. 13, with the storage box removed;

FIG. 16 is a top plan view, partially in section, of that portion of thecharging unit shown in FIG. 14, with the cassette removed;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary top plan view, partially in section, of oneside of the primary plate advancing mechanism, as viewed in the lowerright-hand portion of FIG. 15, showing the mechanisms plurality ofpositions;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary side-sectional view of the mechanism shown inFIG. 17 taken along line 18--l8. I

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary side elevation, partially in section, of thecassette holding and opening means associated with the charging unit;

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary side elevation, partially in section, of thecassette holding and opening means of FIG. 19 showing the cassette inthe open position;

FIG. 21 is a fragmentary front view of the right-hand side of thecassette holding and opening means of FIG. 19 taken along line 21-21;

FIG. 22 is a longitudinal cross-section of the left-hand portion of theprinting unit showing the inverted cassette opening and holding means,the xerographic plate withdrawal mechanisms, the development means, thepre-transfer corotron, and a portion of the support material transportmeans, with certain portions of the Figure being drawn in elevation;

FIG. 23 is a longitudinal cross-section of the right-hand portion of theprinting unit showing the remainder of the support material transportmeans, the powder image transfer means, the fusing means, the platecleaning means, and the inverted storage box holding means, with certainportions of the Figure being drawn in elevation;

FIG. 24 is a top plan view, partially in section, of that portion of theprinting unit shown in FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is a top plan view, partially in section, of that portion of theprinting unit shown in FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is a top plan view of the support material feed mechanism takenalong line 26-26 of FIG. 23; and

FIG. 27 is a schematic view of the automated xerographic processingsystem indicating the interrelationships between the charging unit, theexternal exposure station and the printing unit.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, there is seen a xerographic plate 10 adapted fortransportation through the automated, flat-plate xerographic processingsystem of the present invention. Plate 10 has a conductive backingmember 12 having coated on a portion of one surface thereof aphotoconductive insulating coating 14, such as vitreous selenium. Eachplate is provided for two side rails 16 integrally secured thereto andso constructed as to position the xerographic plate with reference tothe several mechanisms, hereinafter to be described, with which itcooperates as it is transported through the automated xerographicprocessing system. As shown, each side rail 16 is secured to at least aportion of lower surface 18 of backing member 12. The side rail can besecured by adhesive bonding or through the use of a plurality of flathead screws (not shown). Downwardly stepped portions 20 and 22 of eachside rail 16 define a foot 24 adapted to slide into a correspondingchannel 60 in the cassette. Downwardly stepped surfaces 20 are adaptedto cooperate with beveled portion 68 in the eassette, and the wallportions extending towards the rear of the cassette from beveled portion68, so as to properly position the xerographic plate therein uponinsertion by the automated plate advancing means. That portion 26 ofeach side rail adjacent the edge 12' of backing member 12 cooperateswith a downwardly extending member in the top cover of the cassette toassist in the rigid support of the xerographic plate when theplate-holding cassette is outside the automated processing units. Thenotches are positioned in the side rails so that a symmetricalarrangement with respect to the entire xerographic plate is obtainedwhereby, after manual manipulation of the plate outside the processingsystem, such as, for example, during examination of the plate to detectdefects in the photoconductive layer, the plate can be inserted into thecharger unit or the cassette with either the leading edge 30 or thetrailing edge 32 forward. In either event, the plate will be insertedwith the side rails in the depending position, i.e., as shown in FIG. 2.As shown, photoconductive layer 14 is on the top side of backing member12. However, if desired, the photoconductive layer can be on theunderneath side where the lower portion of side rails 16 would serve toform a recessed area protecting the photoconductive layer frominadvertent damage. This configuration would also protect a xerographicpowder image thereon from accidental smearing during transit of theplate from the development mechanism to the image transfer mechanism.The photoconductive layer 14 does not completely cover the exposedsurface of backing member 12 so that plate, for example, can be manuallyhandled during visual examination thereof, automatically handled duringtransit of the plate through the processing system, and

mechanisms can be positioned thereagainst, such as in the developermechanism, without adversely affecting the xerographic processingproperties of the photoconductive layer.

Magnetic members 34 are appropriately positioned within side rails 16and cooperate with sensing devices in the processing system to indicatethe position of a xerographic plate therewithin.

Optionally, thin black lacquer layer 36 can be coated on thenon-photoconductive coated side of the xerographic plate to increase theabsorptivity of the plate 10, should the plate be exposed to infra-redradiation during thermal conditioning thereof, as will be describedhereinafter.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, there is seen a storage box utilized for themanual transportation of a plurality of xerographic plates from theprinter unit, described above, to the charger unit, also describedabove. Storage box 150 has a top wall 152, rear wall 154, side walls156, front wall 158 and bottom wall 160. Adjacent the lower portion offront wall 158 is a slot 162 through which the xerographic plates areinserted into the storage box and withdrawn therefrom. Front wallportions 164 and 166 adjacent slot 162 are appropriately beveled toeliminate sharp corners which might interfere with the proper insertionof the xerographic plate into the storage box. Side walls 156 each havea U-shaped notch 168 communicating with slot 162. It is through U-shapednotches 168 that xerographic plate advancing means extend during theinsertion and/or withdrawal of the xerographic plate.

Adjacent each lower front corner 170 is a retaining clip 172, as canbest be seen in FIGS. 6 and 7. Clip 172 has an upper fiat portion 174through which holes 176 are drilled so the clip can be attached tobottom wall 160. In between upper flat portion 174 and upwardlydepending front portion 178 is an intermediate flat portion 180 having aportion 182 turned back upon itself such that the width of upperdepending member 178 is less than widest dimension of flat portion 180.A finger in the plate insertion and withdrawal means rides againstturned-back portion 182 causing the retaining clip 172 to be depresseddownwardly. This completely opens slot 172 whereby a xerographic platecan be inserted into, or withdrawn from, the storage box.

Rectangular notches 184 are positioned in the top and bottom walls ofthe storage box and cooperate with external locking means to hold thestorage box in place, in the charger and printer units, duringxerographic plate insertion and withdrawal. When using the xerographicplates of FIGS. 1-3 where the photoconductive surface is on the upperside of the xerographic plate, members 186, secured to the inside of thetop wall, protect the photoconductive surface of the uppermost platefrom slamming against interior surface 188 of top wall 152 should thestorage box be inverted, either intentionally or accidentally. If thetop cover is not sufficiently thick to enable the desired notch 184depth, the notch can be partially cut into member 186 (as shown).

Referring to FIGS. 8-10, there is seen a cassette 40 into which thexerographic plate shown in FIG. 1-3 is inserted. Cassette 40 has a base42 and a top cover 44 hinged together at the rear by hinges 46 whichpermit the opening and closing of the top cover so as to permitinsertion and withdrawal of the xerographic plate. Hinges 46 are ofconventional structure and design such that further description thereofis deemed unnecessary. Base 42 has a flat bottom wall 48, a front sidewall 50, side walls 52 and a rear wall 54. Symmetrically positioned withrespect to base 42 and extending above the vertical plane of the front,rear and side walls is a surface 56 adapted to support the lower surfaceof a xerographic plate inserted into the cassette. Adjacent each side ofraised support surface 56 are innermost channels 58 separated fromoutermost channels 60 by ridges 62. Ridges 62 and the front portion ofsurface 56 are slightly beveled, as at 62' and 56, to reduce thepossibility of a plate jamming as it is inserted into the cassette.Along the outside edge of each outermost channel 60 is an L- or U-shapedsupport rail 64. Notches 66 in front wall 50, beveled portions 56' and62 and angled portion 68 at the front of support surface 56 adjacentinnermost channels 58 serve to properly position the xerographic plateas it is inserted into cassette 40 by plate advancing means, to bedescribed hereinafter. Ridges 62 cooperate with the flat portions on thebottom side of the side rails to support, in conjunction with surface56, the xerographic plate in its proper position in the cassette whenthe base member is positioned below the top cover (i.e., as

7 shown). Support rails 64 do not extend completely from the rear wallof base 42 to the front wall. Rather they terminate at a point whichexposes the notch on each side rail adjacent the trailing edge of thexerographic plate so plate advancing means can cooperate therewith forappropriate plate movement. Around the inside parameter of base 42, asdefined in part by walls 50, 52 and 54, there is a groove 72 adapted tocooperate with a tongue 88 on top cover 44 which, when properly closedand seated together, define a light-tight environment adapted to preventexposure of a xerographic plate therein to ambient electromagneticradiation. Interior wall portions are also provided to further definegroove 72 into which tongue 88 is seated to maintain the desired darkenvironment.

As will be described hereinafter, the cassette will be substantially inthe position as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 when it is inserted into thecharging unit, i.e., when the uniformly charged plate is automaticallyinserted into the cassette. After exposure, to insert the cassette intothe printing unit, it is necessary that the cassette be inverted wherebybase member 42 will be on top. In this position, support rail 64 servesits primary function of maintaining the plate in proper verticalalignment with the plate path associated with the automated plateadvancing mechanism. When inverted, the upper portions of the side railswill seat against the horizontally extending portions of support rail 64remote from bottom wall 48 and will be supported thereby. The plateadvancing means will then automatically cooperate with the notches inthe side rails to withdraw the plate from the cassette and transport ittoward the developing unit.

Top cover 44 has front wall 82, top wall 83, side walls 84 and rear wall86. Depending downwardly from walls 82, 84 and 86, is a tongue 88adapted to cooperate with groove 72 in base 42 to provide, as indicatedabove, a light-tight environment when the top cover 44 is in the closedposition. To permit proper alignment between tongue 88 and groove 72,and to provide flush surfaces defined by the outside walls of the baseand the top cover when the cassette is in the closed position, tongue 88is recessed slightly from walls 82, 84 and 86 toward the interior of thetop cover. The width of groove 72 adjacent the rear wall 54 of base 42and/or the thickness of that portion of tongue 88 adjacent back wall 86of top cover 44 are so chosen as to permit the opening of the cassette,and particularly the top cover thereof, about hinges 46. Extending fromthe interior side of front wall 82 to the interior side of rear wall 86are downwardly depending ridges 90 adapted to seat against the upperportion of the side rails on the xerographic plate and that portion ofthe upper surface of the conductive backing member adjacent thereto. Aninterference fit results which assists in securely maintaining thexerographic plate in the desired position within the cassette,especially when the plate-holding cassette is in the closed conditionoutside the automated processing units.

Front wall 82 of top cover 44 and that portion of tongue 88 dependingtherefrom has two notches 92 positioned therein in front of latchmembers 94 situated in front wall 80 of support surface 56. Each latch,as shown in the cutaway portion, has a chamber 96 in which the latchmechanisms reside. Secured to back wall 98 of chamber 96 is a pin 100about which there is wound a coiled spring member 102. Spring 102normally urges movable latch member 104 toward front wall 80 of supportsurface 56. In its fully extended position fingers 106 on member 104seat against interior grooves 107 in front wall 82, as can best be seenin FIG. 10. When in the fully extended position, the meshing of fingers106 and interior grooves 107 maintain the top cover in a locked positionand prevent the

1. An automated flat-plate xerographic processing system comprisingcharging means for placing a uniform electrostatic charge on thephotoconductive surface of a xerographic plate, means for holding andopening a light-tight cassetTe into which said xerographic plate can beinserted, means for inserting said uniformly charged xerographic plateinto said cassette without disturbing the uniform electrostatic chargethereon, means to close said cassette after said xerographic plate hasbeen inserted therein whereby said xerographic plate is maintained in alight-tight environment, means for receiving said xerographicplate-holding cassette after imaging exposure, said xerographic platehaving thereon a latent electrostatic image suitable for development,means for opening said cassette without further exposure of saidxerographic plate to actinic electromagnetic radiation, means forwithdrawing said latent electrostatic imagebearing xerographic platefrom said cassette, means for developing said latent electrostatic imageto form a reproduction thereof suitable for visual examination, andmeans for advancing said xerographic plate without disturbing the latentelectrostatic image thereon to said developing means.
 2. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said means for receiving said latent electrostaticimage-bearing xerographic plate-holding cassette after imaging exposurereceives said cassette in an inverted position from the position inwhich said cassette is held by said holding means as said xerographicplate is being inserted therein.
 3. The system of claim 1 furtherincluding means for transferring the developed image from saidxerographic plate to a support surface and means for fixing saiddeveloped image to said support surface whereby a permanent xerographiccopy is obtained.
 4. The system of claim 1 further including a magazinefor the storage of a plurality of xerographic plates, means forwithdrawing a xerographic plate from said magazine and means foradvancing said xerographic plate past said charging means.
 5. The systemof claim 1 further including means to condition said xerographic plateto thereby eliminate residual xerographic plate effects associated withprevious exposure of said xerographic plate to actinic electromagneticradiation.
 6. The system of claim 5 further including means fortransporting a conditioned xerographic plate from said conditioningmeans to said charging means.
 7. The system of claim 1 further includingmeans to receive a storage box having at least one xerographic platetherein, means to withdraw a xerographic plate from said storage box andmeans to advance said xerographic plate to said charging means.
 8. Thesystem of claim 3 further including means to clean said xerographicplate after said developed image has been transferred therefrom to saidsupport surface.
 9. The system of claim 3 further including means toreceive a storage box, means to advance said xerographic plate to saidstorage box after the developed image has been transferred therefrom tosaid support surface, and means to insert said xerographic plate intosaid storage box.
 10. The system of claim 1 wherein said cassetteclosing means includes means to automatically close said cassette uponinsertion of said uniformly charged xerographic plate into saidcassette.
 11. An automated flat-plate xerographic processing systemcomprising first means to receive a storage box having at least onexerographic plate therein, means to withdraw a xerographic plate fromsaid storage box, means to condition said xerographic plate to eliminatethe residual effects associated with previous exposure of saidxerographic plate to high energy, penetrating actinic electromagneticradiation, means to advance said xerographic plate from said withdrawalmeans into said conditioning means, a magazine for the storage of aplurality of conditioned xerographic plates, means to advance saidxerographic plate from said conditioning means into said magazine,charging means for placing a uniform electrostatic charge on thephotoconductive surface of said xerographic plate, means for holding andopening a light-tight cassette into which said xerographic plate can beinserted, means for inserting said uniforMly charged xerographic plateinto said cassette without disturbing the uniform electrostatic chargethereon, means for withdrawing a xerographic plate from said magazine,means for transporting said xerographic plate past said charging meansto said inserting means, means to close said light-tight cassette aftersaid xerographic plate has been inserted therein whereby said uniformlycharged xerographic plate is maintained in a light-tight environment,means for receiving said xerographic plate-holding cassette afterimaging exposure, said xerographic plate having thereon a latentelectrostatic image suitable for development, means for opening saidcassette without further exposure of said xerographic plate toadditional actinic electromagnetic radiation, means for withdrawing saidlatent electrostatic image-bearing xerographic plate from said cassette,means to develop said latent electrostatic image on said xerographicplate by applying a developer material thereto thereby converting saidlatent electrostatic image to a corresponding xerographic powder image,means for advancing said xerographic plate from said withdrawal means tosaid developer means, means for advancing said xerographic plate fromsaid developer means after development has been completed, means forpositioning a support sheet in registration with the powderimage-bearing side of said xerographic plate, means for moving saidsupport sheet and said xerographic plate in synchronization, means fortransferring said xerographic powder image from said xerographic plateto said support sheet, means for fixing said xerographic powder image tosaid support sheet, means for removing said support sheet with thexerographic powder image thereon from its position adjacent saidxerographic plate and for transporting said powder image-bearing supportsheet to said fixing means, means to clean said xerographic plate aftersaid xerographic powder image has been transferred therefrom to saidsupport sheet, second means to receive a storage box, means to advance acleaned xerographic plate to said storage box, and means to insert saidcleaned xerographic plate into said storage box.
 12. The system of claim11 wherein said means for receiving said latent electrostaticimage-bearing xerographic plate-holding cassette after imaging exposurereceives said cassette in an inverted position from the position inwhich said cassette is held by said holding and opening means as saidxerographic plate is being inserted therein; and said second means forreceiving said storage box receives said storage box in an invertedposition from the position in which said storage box is held by saidfirst receiving means when said xerographic plate is being withdrawntherefrom.
 13. The system of claim 11 wherein said cassette closingmeans includes means to automatically close said cassette upon insertionof said uniformly charged xerographic plate into said cassette.
 14. Acharging apparatus for use in conjunction with an automated flat-platexerographic processing system comprising means for placing a uniformelectrostatic charge on the photoconductive surface of a xerographicplate, said charging means including means for causing relative movementof said xerographic plate and said charging means, means for holding andopening a light-tight cassette into which a xerographic plate can beinserted and means for inserting said uniformly charged xerographicplate into said cassette without disturbing the uniform electrostaticcharge thereon.
 15. The charging apparatus of claim 14 further includingmeans to close said cassette after said uniformly charged xerographicplate has been inserted therein whereby said xerographic plate ismaintained in a light-tight environment.
 16. The charging apparatus ofclaim 15 wherein said cassette closing means includes means toautomatically close said cassette upon insertion of said uniformlycharged xerographic plate into said cassette.
 17. The charging apparatusof claim 14 further including a magaZine for the storage of a pluralityof xerographic plates, means for withdrawing a xerographic plate fromsaid magazine, and means for advancing said xerographic plate from saidwithdrawal means to said charging means.
 18. The charging apparatus ofclaim 17 further including means to draw ambient air over thexerographic plates stored within said magazine.
 19. The chargingapparatus of claim 14 further including means to condition saidxerographic plate to thereby eliminate the residual effects associatedwith previous exposure of said xerographic plate to high energy,penetrating actinic electromagnetic radiation.
 20. The chargingapparatus of claim 19 further including means for transporting aconditioned xerographic plate to said charging means.
 21. The chargingapparatus of claim 19 further including a magazine for the storage of aplurality of xerographic plates and means for transporting a conditionedxerographic plate to said magazine.
 22. The charging apparatus of claim14 further including means for receiving a storage box having at leastone xerographic plate therein, means for withdrawing a xerographic platefrom said storage box, and means for advancing said xerographic plate tosaid charging means.
 23. The charging apparatus of claim 19 furtherincluding means for receiving a storage box having at least onexerographic plate therein, means for withdrawing a xerographic platefrom said storage box, and means for advancing said xerographic plateinto said conditioning means.
 24. A charging apparatus for use inconjunction with an automated flat-plate xerographic processing systemcomprising means for receiving a storage box having at least onexerographic plate therein, means for withdrawing a xerographic platefrom said storage box, means to condition said xerographic plate tothereby eliminate the residual effects associated with previous exposureof said xerographic plate to high energy, penetrating actinicelectromagnetic radiation, means for advancing said xerographic plateinto said conditioning means, a magazine for the storage of a pluralityof conditioned xerographic plates, means for advancing a conditionedxerographic plate from said conditioning means to said magazine, meansfor withdrawing a xerographic plate from said magazine, charging meansfor placing a uniform electrostatic charge on the photoconductivesurface of said xerographic plate, said charging means including meansfor causing relative movement of said xerographic plate and saidcharging means, means for holding and opening a light-tight cassetteinto which a xerographic plate can be inserted, and means for insertingsaid uniformly charged xerographic plate into said cassette withoutdisturbing the uniform electrostatic charge thereon.
 25. The chargingapparatus of claim 24 further including means to close said cassetteafter said uniformly charged xerographic plate has been inserted thereinwhereby said xerographic plate is maintained in a light-tightenvironment.
 26. The charging apparatus of claim 25 wherein saidcassette closing means includes means to automatically close saidcassette upon insertion of said uniformly charged xerographic plate intosaid cassette.
 27. The charging apparatus of claim 24 further includingmeans to draw ambient air over conditioned xerographic plates storedwithin said magazine.
 28. A printing apparatus for use in conjunctionwith an automated flat-plate xerographic processing system comprisingmeans for receiving a xerographic plate-holding cassette, saidxerographic plate having thereon a latent electrostatic image suitablefor development, means for opening said cassette without furtherexposure of said xerographic plate to actinic electromagnetic radiation,means for withdrawing said latent electrostatic image-bearingxerographic plate from said cassette, means for developing said latentelectrostatic image on said xerographic plate to form a reproductionthereof suitable for visual examination, and means for advancing saidxerograpHic plate without disturbing the latent electrostatic imagethereon to said developing means.
 29. The printing apparatus of claim 28wherein said developing means comprises means for applying a developermaterial to said xerographic plate thereby converting said latentelectrostatic image thereon to a corresponding xerographic powder image.30. The printing apparatus of claim 29 further including means fortransferring said xerographic powder image from said xerographic plateto a support surface and means for fixing said xerographic powder imageto said support surface.
 31. The printing apparatus of claim 30 furtherincluding means for cleaning said xerographic plate after saidxerographic powder image has been transferred therefrom to said supportsurface.
 32. The printing apparatus of claim 30 further including meansto receive a storage box, means for advancing said xerographic plate tosaid storage box after said xerographic powder image has beentransferred therefrom to said support surface, and means for insertingsaid xerographic plate into said storage box.
 33. The printing apparatusof claim 28 wherein said cassette opening means includes means toautomatically close said cassette upon insertion of said xerographicplate-holding cassette therein.
 34. The printing apparatus of claim 28wherein said cassette is positioned in said cassette receiving means andsaid cassette opening means so that said xerographic plate is supportedby the base member of said cassette in proper alignment with the path oftravel to be followed by said xerographic plate during the advancementthereof to said developing means.
 35. A printing apparatus for use inconjunction with an automated flat-plate xerographic processing systemcomprising means for receiving a xerographic plate-holding cassette,said xerographic plate having thereon a latent electrostatic imagesuitable for development, means for opening said cassette withoutfurther exposure of said xerographic plate to actinic electromagneticradiation, means for withdrawing said latent electrostatic image-bearingxerographic plate from said cassette, means for developing said latentelectrostatic image on said xerographic plate to form a reproductionthereof suitable for visual examination, said developing means includingmeans for applying a developer material to said xerographic platethereby converting said latent electrostatic image thereon to acorresponding xerographic powder image, means for advancing saidxerographic plate from said withdrawal means without disturbing thelatent electrostatic image thereon to said developing means, means foradvancing said xerographic plate from said developing means afterdevelopment has been completed, means for transferring said xerographicpowder image from said xerographic plate to a support sheet, means forfixing said xerographic powder image to said support sheet, means foradvancing said xerographic powder image-bearing support sheet away fromsaid xerographic plate and for transporting said powder image bearingsupport sheet to said fixing means, means for cleaning said xerographicplate after said xerographic powder image has been transferred therefromto said support sheet, and means for advancing said xerographic platefrom said transfer means to said cleaning means.
 36. The printingapparatus of claim 35 further including means to receive a storage box,means to advance said cleaned xerographic plate from said cleaning meansto said storage box, and means for inserting said cleaned xerographicplate into said storage box.
 37. The printing apparatus of claim 35wherein said xerographic powder image transfer means comprises means forpositioning a support sheet in registration with the powderimage-bearing side of said xerographic plate, means for moving saidsupport sheet and said xerographic plate in synchronization, and meansfor transferring said xerographic powder image from said xerographicplate to the adjacent surface of said support sheet.
 38. A chargingapparatus for use in conjunction with an automated flat-platexerographic processing system comprising means for receiving a storagebox having at least one xerographic plate therein; means to condition axerographic plate withdrawn from said storage box to thereby eliminatethe residual effects associated with previous exposure of saidxerographic plate to high energy, penetrating actinic eletromagneticradiation; a magazine for the storage of a plurality of xerographicplates; charging means for placing a uniform electrostatic charge on thephotoconductive surface of said xerographic plate; means for holding andopening a light-tight cassette into which said xerographic plate can beinserted; and means for withdrawing said xerographic plate from saidstorage box, for transporting said xerographic plate in operativerelationship to said conditioning means, said magazine and said chargingmeans, and for inserting said charged xerographic plate into saidcassette without disturbing the uniform electrostatic charge thereon.39. The charging apparatus of claim 38 further including means to closesaid cassette after said uniformly charged xerographic plate has beeninserted therein whereby said xerographic plate is maintained in alight-tight environment.
 40. The charging apparatus of claim 38 whereinsaid cassette closing means includes means to automatically close saidcassette upon insertion of said uniformly charged xerographic plate intosaid cassette.
 41. A charging apparatus for use in conjunction with anautomated flat-plate xerographic processing system comprising means forreceiving a storage box having at least one xerographic plate therein;means to condition a xerographic plate withdrawn from said storage boxto thereby eliminate the residual effects associated with previousexposure of said xerographic plate to high energy, penetrating actinicelectromagnetic radiation; a magazine for the storage of a plurality ofconditioned xerographic plates; means for withdrawing a xerographicplate from said storage box and for transporting said withdrawnxerographic plate adjacent to or through said conditioning means andinto said magazine; charging means for placing a uniform electrostaticcharge on the photoconductive surface of said xerographic plate; meansfor holding and opening a light-tight cassette into which saidxerographic plate can be inserted; and means for withdrawing axerographic plate from said magazine, for transporting said xerographicplate past said charging means, and for inserting said chargedxerographic plate into said cassette without disturbing the uniformelectrostatic charge thereon. 42 The charging apparatus of claim 41further including means to close said cassette after said uniformlycharged xerographic plate has been inserted therein whereby saidxerographic plate is maintained in a light-tight environment.
 43. Thecharging apparatus of claim 41 wherein said cassette closing meansincludes means to automatically close said cassette upon insertion ofsaid uniformly charged xerographic plate into said cassette.
 44. Thecharging apparatus of claim 41 further including means to draw ambientair over conditioned xerographic plates stored within said magazine. 45.A printing apparatus for use in conjunction with an automated flat-platexerographic processing system comprising means for receiving axerographic plate-holding cassette including means for opening thecassette without further exposure of the xerographic plate therein toactinic electromagnetic radiation, the xerographic plate having thereona latent electrostatic image suitable for development, means fordeveloping the latent electrostatic image on the xerographic plate toform a reproduction thereof suitable for visual examination, saiddeveloping means including means for applying a developer material tothe xerographic plate thereby converting the latent electrostatic imagethereon to a corresponding xerographic powder image, means forwithdrawing tHe latent electrostatic image-bearing xerographic platefrom the cassette and for advancing the xerographic plate withoutdisturbing the latent electrostatic charge thereon to said developingmeans, means for advancing the powder image-bearing xerographic platefrom said developing means to a transfer station, means in the transferstation for transferring the xerographic powder image from thexerographic plate to a support sheet adjacent thereto, means for fixingthe xerographic powder image to the support sheet, and means forpositioning a support sheet in registration with the powderimage-bearing side of the xerographic plate in the transfer station andfor advancing the xerographic powder image-bearing support sheet awayfrom the xerographic plate along a path in operative relationship tosaid fixing means.
 46. The printing apparatus of claim 45 wherein saidcassette receiving means includes means to automatically open thecassette upon insertion of the cassette into said cassette receivingmeans.
 47. The printing apparatus of claim 45 wherein the xerographicplate and the support sheet are caused to move in synchronized adjacencywithin said transfer station.
 48. The printing apparatus of claim 45further including means for cleaning the xerographic plate after thexerographic powder image has been transferred therefrom to the supportsheet, and means for receiving a storage box, said means for advancingthe xerographic plate from said developing means further serving toadvance the xerographic plate in operative relationship to said cleaningmeans and for inserting the cleaned xerographic plate into the storagebox.
 49. A printing apparatus for use in conjunction with an automatedflat-plate xerographic processing system comprising means for receivinga xerographic plate-holding cassette including means for opening thecassette without further exposure of the xerographic plate therein toactinic electromagnetic radiation, the xerographic plate having thereona latent electrostatic image suitable for development; means fordeveloping the latent electrostatic image on the xerographic plate toform a reproduction thereof suitable for visual examination, saiddeveloping means including means for applying a developer material tothe xerographic plate thereby converting the latent electrostatic imagethereon to a corresponding xerographic powder image; means fortransferring the xerographic powder image from the xerographic plate ina transfer station to a support sheet adjacent thereto; means for fixingthe xerographic powder image to the support sheet; means for positioninga support sheet in registration with the powder image-bearing side ofthe xerographic plate in the transfer station and for advancing thexerographic powder image-bearing support sheet away from the xerographicplate along a path in operative relationship to said fixing means; meansfor cleaning the xerographic plate after the xerographic powder imagehas been transferred therefrom to the support sheet; means to receive astorage box; and means for withdrawing the latent electrostaticimage-bearing xerographic plate from the cassette, for advancing thexerographic plate without disturbing the latent electrostatic imagethereon to said developing means, for advancing the powder image-bearingxerographic plate from said developing means in operative relationshipto said transfer means and said cleaning means, and for inserting thecleaned xerographic plate into the storage box.